John McCain has brain cancer, is undergoing treatment

Sen. John McCain of Arizona in Washington on January 12. Associated Press/Manuel Balce Ceneta

Sen. John McCain has learned he has brain cancer, the Arizona lawmaker's office announced on Wednesday.

"On Friday, July 14, Sen. John McCain underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix," the statement said. "Subsequent tissue pathology revealed that a primary brain tumor known as a glioblastoma was associated with the blood clot."

McCain and his family are reviewing treatment options, which could include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

Before the tumor was discovered, the senator's office had suggested the blood-clot procedure might keep the senator off the job for a week, but the cancer diagnosis and forthcoming treatment could sideline McCain indefinitely.

The American Brain Tumor Association notes that glioblastomas are "usually highly malignant" and that "the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels."

McCain's office said the senator was recovering from his blood-clot surgery "amazingly well." His doctors said the senator's underlying health was "excellent."

McCain, 80, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee and six-term Republican senator, is also a decorated Navy pilot who was shot down over Vietnam and held as a prisoner for 5 1/2 years.

McCain, a POW for over five years, waving to well-wishers on March 18, 1973, after arriving at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Florida. AP Photo

In a statement on Twitter, McCain's daughter Meghan said: "My love for my father is boundless and like any daughter I cannot and do not wish to be in a world without him. I have faith that those days remain far away."

President Donald Trump issued this statement Tuesday night: "Senator John McCain has always been a fighter. Melania and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator McCain, Cindy, and their entire family. Get well soon."

"Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John," former President Barack Obama said on Twitter. He called the senator "an American hero" and "one of the bravest fighters" he had ever known.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called McCain "a hero to our Conference and a hero to our country" in a statement Wednesday night. "He has never shied from a fight, and I know he will face this challenge with the same extraordinary courage that has characterized his life."

Here's the full statement from McCain's office:

"On Friday, July 14, Sen. John McCain underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from above his left eye at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix. Subsequent tissue pathology revealed that a primary brain tumor known as a glioblastoma was associated with the blood clot.

"Scanning done since the procedure (a minimally invasive craniotomy with an eyebrow incision) shows that the tissue of concern was completely resected by imaging criteria.

"The Senator and his family are reviewing further treatment options with his Mayo Clinic care team. Treatment options may include a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

"The Senator's doctors say he is recovering from his surgery 'amazingly well' and his underlying health is excellent."

The office of Senator John McCain also released the following statement:

"Senator McCain appreciates the outpouring of support he has received over the last few days. He is in good spirits as he continues to recover at home with his family in Arizona. He is grateful to the doctors and staff at Mayo Clinic for their outstanding care, and is confident that any future treatment will be effective. Further consultations with Senator McCain's Mayo Clinic care team will indicate when he will return to the United States Senate."